Urban Runoff

  • Urban Runoff is surface runoff created by commercial urbanization and runs off impermeable surfaces.
Urban Runoff occurs in developed areas with many impermeable surfaces, into which water cannot soak. Many pollutants are in the water from urban runoff, including the following:
  • Heavy Metals-
    • Copper- the most significant threat found in Urban Runoff
    • Lead
    • Zinc
    • Bacteria
    • Nickel
    • Cadmium
    • Fertilizer
    • Nitrates
    • Phosphorus
Urban Runoff also poses multiple threats to our civilization, including the following:
  • Bacteria and Viruses- From roads, sewer leakages and animal waste
    • Can cause intestinal viruses
  • Pesticides- From landscaped areas and roadsides
    • They are toxic and can harm animals such as fish if it contaminates waterways
  • Organic Materials- From landscaped areas and animal waste
    • Can cause severe health risk to humans and aquatic life
  • All Metals- From industry and cars
    • Can cause toxic impact to some aquatic animals, illness and in extreme cases, death
  • Oil and Grease- From parking lots, roadways and automobile emissions
    • Are toxic and can affect our drinking water, causing illness and potentially eventually death
  • Nitrogen and Phosphorus- From landscaping, septic systems and detergents
    • Can cause growth of algae (excessive)